Students promote engineering

By MICHAEL CULVER

Bulldog Bot, a robot built by Fresno State engineering students, last week went shopping for future students at Fashion Fair Mall to promote awareness of opportunities at Fresno State’s college of engineering and computer science.

Bulldog Bot, an unmanned concept vehicle built by the electrical and computer engineering department, uses a global positioning system and sonar to theoretically provide transportation for people or material. It was one of many technological wonders on display by Fresno State engineering students as they celebrate National Engineering Week.

But kids were the main focus of Engineers at the Mall, an annual event of Fresno State engineering students, said Shaun Cuaron, a senior mechanical engineering student.

“Were here to spread the word about engineering,” Cuaron said. “Were trying to encourage kids from a young age, and get them excited about engineering. Although it is fun to see the projects when you apply all the conceptual learning you’ve done.”

A contest was held for the kids. They were invited to make a boat from a sheet of aluminum foil. The boat that held the most pennies before it sank won a miniature solar powered car.

“ I don’t think students in the Valley know about engineering,” said Francisco Magos, a senior civil engineering major. “We design roads, waterways, buildings and bridges. There’s a great need for civil engineers. Companies can’t find enough people, and they can’t hire fast enough.”

Lat week marked the 54th annual celebration of National Engineers Week. It is typically held around George Washington’s birthday in remembrance of his engineering background.

National Engineers Week is a combination of more than 70 engineering societies and more than 50 corporations and government agencies. It was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Thousands of schools, businesses and community groups across the United States participate in the annual event.

The geomatics engineering department was also present at the event. They specialize in topographical information systems such as GPS and map making. One practical use of this technology is in use in the war in the Middle East. Military use of drone planes for surveying and map making is being used in the war to provide intelligence for ground and air troops.